This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Next week, I’m looking forward to hosting one of my favorite community events: Ward 4 Senior Jubilee! If you are a member of our senior community and haven’t confirmed your attendance yet, make sure to RSVP for music, dancing, food, and resources from DC agencies. This week, I also have updates to share on our progress holding dangerous drivers accountable under the STEER Act, fall updates from DPW, and exciting community events coming to Ward 4 over the next few weeks.
Community News
Ward 4 Senior Jubilee on Thursday!
Senior Jubilee is happening next Thursday, October 2nd from 11am to 1:30pm! Please RSVP online or by calling or leaving a voicemail with my office at 202-724-8052 to save your spot. If you’re not a senior but are still interested in helping out, we are also looking for volunteers! If you’d like to lend a hand and meet some of our amazing seniors, reach out to brogers@dccouncil.gov for more details.
Ronald Austin Memorial Park Designation
This Saturday, September 27th from 1 to 4pm, we will officially designate the North Dakota Ave Triangle Park as Ronald Austin Memorial Park. Ron made a significant and lasting impact on the Manor Park and Ward 4 community. He held key roles as President of the South Manor Neighborhood Association, as an ANC Commissioner and Chair for both ANC 4B06 and 4B07, and dedicated 24 years of service to the District as a staff member for Councilmembers and two Mayors. After his retirement from government, Ron founded Helping Hands Community Services to support DC residents in need. Ron was a truly beloved member of our community who exhibited an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of his neighbors.
As we come together to honor Ron’s legacy, I hope you’ll join as we mark the official designation with music, food, and celebration for all ages. I also want to extend my thanks to community leaders including ANC 4B Commissioners Tiffani Johnson and Allison Brooks, who worked hard to advocate for this designation.
Important Fall DPW Updates
As we transition into fall, now is a good time to get up to speed on updates from the Department of Public Works. DPW has shared several updates that I want to make sure neighbors are aware of, especially regarding service delays and upcoming leaf collection:
- Trash and recycling delays: Due to staffing shortages, some trash and recycling routes may be experiencing delays in collection. For affected neighborhoods, notifications will be sent to ANC Commissioners and MOCRs to share with the community.
- Spring and summer services: DPW is continuing street and alley cleaning, grass cutting and mowing, and graffiti removal through October. Neighbors should submit requests for services via DC’s 311 website and as always, feel free to reach out to a member of my team for assistance.
- Fall services and leaf collection: Leaf collection season is coming soon! Stay tuned for more information from DPW in the coming weeks about how to be prepared and when DPW will be coming to your neighborhood.
- Contact DPW: For any residents experiencing issues with trash collection, parking enforcement, or other DPW concerns, the best way to get in contact and get issues resolved is through DPW’s Unified Communications Center. Neighbors can call DPW at (202) 673-6833 (line open 8:30am to 4:30pm M-F) or email dpw@dc.gov.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Holding Out-Of-State Drivers Accountable Under the STEER Act
This week, the Office of the Attorney General won its first judgement against a dangerous driver under the STEER Act. For years, out-of-state drivers have been able to rack up thousands of dollars for running red lights, speeding, and endangering residents without facing consequences. However, thanks to the STEER Act passed by the Council, OAG has filed lawsuits against Maryland and Virginia drivers responsible for accumulating $619,632 in tickets for 1,989 infractions in DC. As these cases progress, I’ll continue keeping neighbors updated on our progress holding reckless drivers accountable. Together, we’re sending a clear message: dangerous driving stops here.
Vaccines Now Available in DC Without Prescription
Thanks to the Community Health Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 passed by the Council at our last Legislative Meeting, DC residents can now get the 2025-2026 Covid-19 vaccine or flu vaccine without a prescription. Recent guidelines now allow for anyone 6 months or older to receive the Covid-19 vaccine – but if you are under 65, a pharmacy may ask you if you are eligible, but will not require proof of your eligibility. Appointments are now available at CVS, Walgreens, and other local health care providers and pharmacies. Most insurances will cover the cost of these immunizations, but it is always a good idea to check with your own health insurance provider.
Patients between the ages of 6 months and 3 years of age will need to go to their pediatrician or health care provider for the Covid-19 vaccine, but families should call ahead to see if they have any in stock. Children’s National Hospital has reported that they will not have the vaccine in stock for several weeks.
Community Resources
Free DC Ward 4 Meeting
If you want to learn about mobilizing your community to become part of Free DC, join next week’s meeting of the Free DC Ward 4 Team! On Tuesday, September 30th from 6 to 8pm at Christ Lutheran Church (5101 16th St NW) they will be sharing resources for neighbors to learn about protecting home rule and ending the occupation. UDC Law will offer a Know Your Rights Training to all attendees, and new members will have the opportunity to attend a campaign orientation. Childcare will be provided. Learn more here.
DC Employment First Summit
On Wednesday, October 8th from 9am to 3pm at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, the Employment First Planning Committee and DC Developmental Disabilities Council are joining to host a free summit with a vibrant resource and networking fair, interactive learning sessions, and opportunities to make a lasting difference in your community. To learn more about the event and RSVP, click here.
Neighborhood Events
Paint and Pizza with 4D
On Friday, September 26th, 4D MPD is co-hosting a Paint and Pizza event alongside Ledo Pizza and Walmart. The event will take place at Lamond Recreation Center (20 Tuckerman St NE) from 5 to 7pm.
Caribbean Family Fun Day
On Saturday, September 27th from 12 to 6pm, the Jamaican Nationals Association is hosting Caribbean Family Fun Day at Takoma Park Site 3 (330 Van Buren St NW) to showcase the richness of Caribbean heritage while also providing meaningful resources and services to DC’s Caribbean community and the broader public. There will be food, music, games, a school supply giveaway, free health checks, free community services, and more.
5th Annual Shepherd Park Weed Wrangle
On Sunday, September 28th from 2 to 5pm, join the Shepherd Park Weed Warriors for the 5th Annual Weed Wrangle and Planting Day at Shepherd Field (1500 Kalmia Rd NW)! All are invited, so bring your family or a friend! If you have them, bring gloves and a shovel or trowel. Wear sturdy shoes. No planting experience needed. Light refreshments will be provided.
DC Pickle Bash at Merry Pin
Next Saturday, October 4th, Merry Pin in Shepherd Park is launching an exciting new event: DC Pickle Bash! The event is open to all, celebrating all things pickle in a vibrant festival that brings together pickle enthusiasts. There will be pickle arts & crafts, vendors and artisans selling pickles and pickle-themed merchandise, a pickle making competition, pickle-themed board games, and much more. Stop by Merry Pin on Geranium and Georgia and check out the full lineup of events!
Takoma Park Street Festival
The 44th annual Takoma Park Street Festival is taking place on Sunday, October 5th from 10am to 5pm on Carroll Ave! Enjoy the day exploring 200 vendor booths and dancing in the streets to live music! Takoma’s unique shops and restaurants are all open and welcoming visitors. Come out and support DC and Maryland’s Main Street Takoma!
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
Important Reminders
Office Hours in the Community
Ward 4 office hours are happening every Wednesday afternoon at Fort Stevens Rec Center from 12 to 1pm, followed by office hours at Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center from 1:30 to 2:30pm. Community members can stop by and speak one-on-one with a member of our team about DC government services or our work in the Ward 4 community.
Share Reports of Federal Law Enforcement Incidents
Last month, my office launched an online reporting form for neighbors to report and document any concerning incidents involving federal agents. This information will be critical as we build our case, ensure organizations working on the ground are informed, and continue to hold this administration accountable. Please share the image with your social networks and neighbors to let others in the community know about this resource.
As our DC government works to keep our community safe, supported, and informed during this time, I also encourage neighbors to fill out my survey seeking input from residents to help shape how our office communicates around new federal developments.
Support for Federal Workers
As many in our community face unprecedented challenges, I’m grateful to everyone who is stepping up to support neighbors. The Office of the Mayor has rolled out fedsupport.dc.gov, sharing resources for federal workers who have been laid off or impacted by recent cuts. I also want to remind neighbors of resources on my website for federal workers impacted by recent actions and neighbors facing the threat of immigration enforcement, compiled with the help of Councilmember Nadeau. DC government and the DC Council are also hiring for a range of positions, and I encourage community members to take a look at the open positions and share with a neighbor.
Ward 4 in the News
Petworth News: Enjoy the new DC Pickle Bash on October 4th — enter to win All Access tickets!
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Fridays through December 2025: Continue Supporting New UDC Lamond-Riggs Farmers Market
Petworth News: Enjoy jazz shows, new festivals & a Nat Geo Kids “Greeking Out” event at The Parks at Walter Reed
The 51st: 12 things to do around D.C. this weekend
PoPville: Commanders Bar and Lounge coming to Brightwood Park
Ward 4 Dispatch: Final RFK Deal, Fighting for Tenants, and Chevy Chase Day
These are news articles that mention Ward 4 or pertain to events in our community. Councilmember Lewis George does not write or endorse their content but shares them for community awareness.
Rosh Hashanah this week began the High Holiday season for our Jewish neighbors. As Yom Kippur approaches next week, I want to wish everyone observing this sacred day a meaningful fast and a peaceful time of reflection.
A moment of inspiration for me came on a recent visit to Coolidge High School, where NAF Academy of Health Sciences students held a community blood drive and gathered organizations from across DC to share resources. I want to extend a huge thanks to Erin Palmer and the DC League of Women Voters for helping bring civic engagement to our next generation of health professionals.
Have a wonderful fall weekend, Ward 4!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
